MemorySask

Returned Soldiers - Training - Group Photo

A-2396
Item
1919-1920

Part of University of Saskatchewan Photograph Collection

Returned men seated in tiers on benches in [Engineering Building].

Straw Gas Car

A-2926
Item
[between 1915 and 1920]

Part of University of Saskatchewan Photograph Collection

[R.D. MacLaurin] standing (left) in front of a vehicle with a large tank attached on top which reads "Straw Gas". Three men sitting inside, possibly [F.H. Edmunds] in passenger seat. Sign on running board reads: "McLaughlin Motor Car Model D45". Engineering Building in background.

Bio/Historical Note: Prof. R.D. MacLaurin, head, Department of Chemistry, was interested in the production of gas from straw as a fuel for heating and for engines. Though he was not alone in the research field, MacLaurin built a small extraction plant in the late 1910s and operate a McLaughlin Motor Car using straw gas. The research was promising but far from a breakthrough. The volume of gas produced was small and the mileage between fill-ups low. The most significant aspect of the research was not scientific but financial. MacLaurin felt cheated when Walter C. Murray, University President, distributed provincial research funds to several campus projects. Though he had the largest share of the grant, MacLaurin felt he deserved it all. He alleged Murray had misappropriated funds. A battle ensued for the control of the University administration. Murray was able to maintain the confidence of the Board of Governors and MacLaurin and three of his supporters - Samuel Greenway, Extension director; Ira MacKay, professor of Law; and John L. Hogg, head, Physics - were dismissed. Research into straw gas was discontinued.

Early Campus Buildings

A-3935
Item
[ca. 1920]

Part of University of Saskatchewan Photograph Collection

Looking south across fields at Engineering Building, University (Main) Barn, and Livestock Pavilion.

Engineering Building - Exterior

Part of University of Saskatchewan Photograph Collection

Looking southwest at Engineering Building shortly after completion. Power house at left; cars parked in front. North addition nearing completion.

Bio/historical note: The original Engineering Building was destroyed by fire on Friday, 13 March 1925.

Field Crop of Carrots

Part of University of Saskatchewan Photograph Collection

Group of men picking carrots in a field. Buildings in background (l to r): Power House, Engineering Building, and Livestock Pavilion.

Bio/Historical Note: This field was where the Physical Education building was later located in the 1940s. During World War II and for some years after crops were grown on campus.